I'll call it a lustrous 64. The cheek is remarkably clean for a 64, but the scrapes in the obverse field really kill the grade. (If you submitted it, you may get a 64+, based on the strength of the rest of the coin). With this coin, you'll get several guess at 63 (because people will see the scrapes and overweight them), and you'll get several guesses at 65 (because people will see the rest of the very attractive coin and underweight them). Knowing the proper balance and how each component of grading affects (or should affect) the overall score is the key to grading. This is, of course, assuming the pictures accurately represent the coin.
Thanks, the cheek really gets you. I knew it has to be a at least 64, but I can see why that might be as high as it goes.
I think TPG graders give Morgan dollars a lot of leeway when it comes to bag marks. I would be very surprised if your dollar doesn't receive MS-65.
Not ALL Morgan dollars get "preferred treatment" but most GSA dollars do. I'm with Jason.....64. Chris
Very similar but I would say the reverse on this new one is better. My eyes see very similar obverse marks. I have a handful of graded GSA's, but would gladly add either of these to the collection.
Yes, it does. The entire rest of the coin is very similar - but this one doesn't have the large scrapes in teh obverse field (in front of her face). There are some minor marks there, sure, but not to the same extent.
Don't think the OP's coin is close to 65. I would say mid grade 64, as it has the typical CC bagginess. Some of the bag marks are long and in a prominent place (in the area above the nose). That would result in a lower grade just for that, even given TPG liberalness on CC dates.
Yup, it sure does. I said 64, mid level 64, but it could easily be lower due to the prominent bag marks on the left hand side of the obverse--TPGs do not go gem grade with nicks that deep or long. 63 could work just as well.